Grant Requested For Stewardship Project In Fontana-On-Geneva-Lake


MADISON, Wis.
 – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the village of Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake has applied for a 50% matching grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. The grant will assist with purchasing 0.4 acres of land in the village of Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake in Walworth County.

The village plans to acquire approximately 0.4 acres to expand the area of its Hildebrand Conservancy. If acquired, recreational activities will include fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, birdwatching, wildlife viewing and nature appreciation.

The DNR is proposing to make the determination that the prohibition of hunting and trapping is necessary to protect public safety because the parcel is relatively small and in close proximity to residences, an elementary school and other structures.

The DNR’s initial assessment of the allowed nature-based outdoor activities may be downloaded from the Stewardship Public Notice webpage, or request a copy via email by contacting Grace Mikelsons at Grace.Mikelsons@wisconsin.gov.

The public is encouraged to submit written comments on the proposed acquisition by Nov. 12, 2025, to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource
C/O Grace Mikelsons, DNR Grant Project Manager
1300 West Clairemont Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Grace.Mikelsons@wisconsin.gov or 715-492-6091

In accordance with s. NR 52.04 (2) (b), Wis. Adm. Code, objections about the activities on this property must show the proposed prohibition to be inconsistent with s. 23.0916 (2) (b), Stats., and s. NR 52.05, Wis. Adm. Code.

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